MEDIA RESOURCES

Dallas, Texas (SMU) -- In its September 10 issue, U.S. News & World Report ranks SMU's Cox School of Business as one of the "Best Business Programs," placing 30th in the nation. The survey ranked 350 undergraduate business programs to determine the nation's top tier programs for 2002. Up from a 34-place ranking in 2001, the 30-place ranking in U.S. News' top business schools solidifies Cox's reputation as a nationally ranked business school.

"We are delighted that U.S. News continues to recognize the excellence of the Cox School of Business. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends continue to work hard to create a national reputation for Cox and SMU, and it is rewarding to see this effort recognized," said Albert W. Niemi, Jr., dean of the Cox School.

Named in 1978 in honor of Dallas businessman Edwin L. Cox, the Cox School was first established in 1920 as the Department of Commerce at SMU. The Cox School's BBA program enrolls more than 700 students annually. Programs also offered at Cox include a full-time MBA Program, a Professional MBA Program, an Executive MBA Program, a Master of Science in Accounting, and Executive Education.